The Non-Snobby ATL Dining Guide

This isn’t a guide to the fanciest food in town. We aren’t trying to be like the Michelin Guide. We’re normal people, who just like really, really good food. What follows is what we believe is the best food in Atlanta – we ignore factors like the pedigree of the chef and the price level. Our sole criterion is how good it tastes.

One of Atlanta’s most well known pizza institutions – and for good reason: flour and cheese are flown in from Naples, Italy on a weekly basis and their ovens are custom built for pizza perfection. If you haven’t had pizza here you’re missing out on life, big time.

Some of the best soup and pad thai in the city – if you’re itching for Thai, Little Bangkok’s got you covered. The pad thai is saucy and sweet – so not right for everyone, but we’re fans. Parking is really hard and the service can be spotty, but the food makes it worth it.

3. Agave Restaurant

Delicious Mexican Fusion with bomb margaritas – Agave earns its spot on this list by getting the fundamentals right. We’re big fans of Mexican food in general, add in some fusion and we’re in heaven. Free valet parking is a nice bonus.

4. Mary Mac’s Tea Room

I don’t know about you – but I LOVE saturated fat. Fried food like fried okra makes those little lady fingers oh so delish. Order collard greens on the side to feel like you’re being healthy while enjoying the best southern soul food in Atlanta.

Beautiful, romantic restaurant on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. CBS named it as one of the restaurants to rekindle your romance at in Atlanta and it’s easy to understand why – the serene ambiance, food and wine make this one of the South’s most romantic places to have dinner or brunch.

Being bad never felt so good! Everything at the Vortex is notoriously unhealthy, but man oh man is it delicious. Anyone who has been to Little Five Points has noticed the Vortex because of the voodoo-like skull entrance. The funnel cake fries are to die for.

9. Aviva by Kameel

Having grown up watching his mother cook in Nazareth, Kameel Srouji’s interest in food blossomed at an early age. With the help of his sister, Aviva, Kameel opened Aviva by Kameel on October 8, 2012. The name couldn’t be more perfect for the theme of the restaurant, as the translation of “Aviva” means spring, fresh, and renewal. They only use the freshest, highest quality local produce. You won’t find a stick of butter at Aviva, as they exclusively use olive oil for all of their cooking.

Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint is the culmination of a deep history of music, food, drink and socializing in the South. Located in the former Macy’s building, in the heart of downtown Atlanta at the iconic 200 Peachtree address, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint brings the city a place to relax while enjoying live entertainment and exceptional cuisine. Historically, juke joints originated in the rural outskirts of many southern towns to give African American communities a place to kick back and unwind after a long week of work. Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint offers a dining and musical entertainment experience in downtown Atlanta, representing diverse culture, featuring music across all genres and popular hits throughout American history. An imaginative menu makes Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint a staple in Atlanta’s downtown restaurant scene, and the allure of traditional juke joints is showcased in the restaurant’s design.

The design of Juke Joint is the modern day incarnation of the environment that gave birth to the “raucous and raunchy” music known as “boogie-woogie.” The tadpole and lily-pad inspired design pays homage to the often low-lying wetlands where historic juke joints once stood. The décor includes a nostalgic wall of period photos, historic artifacts, and walnut wood accents and cabinetry. Local artist Stacy Brown designed the 18-foot custom mural which hangs in the main dining room. The music-centric restaurant also features a wood dance floor, stage for live music, and state-of-the-art video screen for guests’ entertainment.

In a part of the country where seasonal vegetables and deviled eggs are practically religion, Pennsylvania-native Executive Chef Brian Horn marries masterful technique with a simple approach to bold, balanced flavor. Regulars love JCT’s refined comfort food, like fried chicken, house made bacon mac and cheese, deviled eggs with country ham, and their famous Angry Mussels. The city-style upstairs bar serves up small plates, select entrées, and craft cocktails. It’s the kind of place guests can sit back and sip a drink outside while listening to live music.

14. Home Grown

Sure, you may have seen something similar to this here and there in other places. Locally grown produce. OK, that’s been done before. Fresh ingredients, that’s nothing new. A tasty meal that delights your taste buds without clogging your arteries? A challenge. But they’re not the first to pull it off. But here’s the kicker… toss all those ingredients in a big ol’ cooking pot, stir them up, and add a super low… I mean SUPER ridiculously low price to it all. That’s what Home grown is all about.

Bartaco is inspired by the beach culture of brazil, uruguay and southern california. They offer upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. Enjoy freshly-squeezed juices, specialty cocktails and beer out of a bottle while feeling like you are visiting a stylish beach resort.

16. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen

Popular Ethiopian spot offering a variety of exotic dishes, including ample vegetarian options. Co-owners Ash Nega and Titi Demisse were both born and raised in Ethiopia. The two met later in life in Atlanta and instantly knew they would be a team forever. A few years later, Ash had a dream and a clear vision of Desta. His wife, Titi, faithfully and passionately dedicated herself to implementing the idea. People love and hate Desta – some say it’s the only Ethiopian food they’ve enjoyed, others say it’s not authentic enough – hard to please everyone. Personally – we’re huge fans.

Hip, high-energy spot with a year-round patio offers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. We love the Funghi de Bosco. But seriously – any of their pizzas – you will love all of them. This place is a true gem.

19. The Flying Biscuit Café

Southern-inspired menu of comfort food made with fresh ingredients – now over 14 locations all over Atlanta – truly a powerhouse. Their grits and biscuits are what they are famous for (they make over 5k biscuits at each location EACH week?!)

Modern gastropub with new takes on vintage eats such as deviled eggs, plus custom cocktails. Their burger is famous, but we recommend checking out the rest of their excellent menu. You’re not doing Atlanta right if you haven’t been to Holeman Finch.

Where do we even begin. Two Urban Licks gets two thumbs up from us. American rotisserie fare & live blues are draws at this restaurant in a warehouse with city views. And they have a 26 foot foot wine on tap barrel wall! They’ve been featured on multiple hot lists including by Conde Nast and is one of Rachel Ray’s favorite restaurants.

Alma Cocina (Soul Kitchen) is about introducing Atlanta to a refreshing new approach to modern Mexican and Latin cuisine. Bright, fresh ingredients and traditional regional influences come together with other Latin American flavors in a variety of vibrant fresh dishes. They also feature the most unique tequila selections and a host of innovative Latin-influenced cocktails beyond, but including, a superior margarita.

28. Le Petit Marché

Quaint cafe/market featuring pastries & gourmet goodies, plus hot breakfasts & lunchtime sandwiches. Winning several “Best of…” awards, Le Petit Marché continues to attract people from all over making it not only a neighborhood hangout but a destination for delectable breakfast and lunch.

You don’t have to travel to Cuba or the Caribbean to experience the flavors that are indigenous to the tropics. Papi’s brings all the essence of the South Seas to you, with attention to authenticity. Excellent yucca and great, affordable daily specials.

Day of the Dead decor meets a homestyle Mexican menu & margaritas at this hip, lively cantina. Bone Garden Cantina is owned by Michael and Kristen Benoit, a husband and wife team in love with Mexican food and agave spirits. Michael has over 20 years experience in the restaurant business as the owner of The Vortex Bar & Grill, which he opened in Atlanta back in 1992. A few years after getting married, Michael and Kristen opened Bone Garden Cantina in 2008 with a mission to serve authentic Mexican food made from scratch every day. They chose a tiny location off the beaten path, and filled it with colorful folk art inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday. Michael, with years of experience as a working artist prior to his start in the restaurant industry, created much of the artwork for Bone Garden. Over time, many other local painters, tattoo artists and friends have helped fill Bone Garden’s walls with original art that reflects Mexico’s vibrant culture.

Murphy’s chefs create American contemporary comfort food that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes classic patron favorites like shrimp and grits and braised beef brisket as well as seasonal interpretations and the daily catch. Weekend brunch at Murphy’s is a must-do, featuring Eggs T. Murphy, Crab Cake Benedict, and Chilaquiles. As well as an excellent restaurant, Murphy’s is also a bakery and wine shop. Their pastry chef creates scrumptious desserts such as the Bonzo Cake and Tollhouse Pie and their wine program includes weekly themed wine tastings on Tuesday nights, an on-site retail shop, and exclusive wine dinners with prestigious winemakers.

33. West Egg Café

Southern fare, including all-day breakfasts, draws fans to this hot spot with minimalist decor. Insanely popular for brunch…like 2-3 hour wait popular…but for good reason. Okay, most times it might only be 30-45 minutes, but we’ve definitely gone in when there were 90 minute+ wait. Great food makes it worth it. And they have one of the most legible menus in town.

34. Buttermilk Kitchen

Chef Suzanne Vizethann is a genius. Buttermilk Kitchen is a breakfast and lunch concept created by chef Suzanne Vizethann. Buttermilk’s mission is to nurture people through food by use of sustainable, local ingredients. A kitchen where most everything is made in-house from scratch, paying tribute to its name, “Buttermilk,” which refers to the liquid utilized after butter was churned; carrying out the philosophy of letting nothing go to waste.

Bocce ball on the patio, great food & drink – what more can one ask for? Empire State South takes a modern approach to creating authentic Southern dishes, relying on the beautiful foods of this region. A community restaurant that appeals to a broad range, Empire State South is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a to-go lunch program, courtyard bocce ball and an extensive coffee bar. Run by the legendary Hugh Acheson, author of the James Beard Foundation Award Winning Cookbook “A New Turn in the South: Southern Flavors Reinvented for Your Kitchen,” “Pick a Pickle: 50 Recipes for Pickles, Relishes, and Fermented Snacks,” and “The Broad Fork: Recipes for the Wide World of Vegetables and Fruits.” He is a chef/partner of the Athens, Georgia, restaurants 5&10, The National, the Atlanta restaurant Empire State South, and The Florence in Savannah.

He is a James Beard award winner for Best Chef Southeast and was named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine. Hugh competed in Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, Season 3 and currently stars as a judge on Top Chef.

37. R Thomas Deluxe Grill

Established in 1985 as a funky burger joint with a little healthy California style flair, R Thomas has evolved into a landmark in the Atlanta restaurant culture, expanding the menu to include a broad variety from fresh to order juices and smoothies, free-range meats and organics, vegetarian and vegan, macrobiotic, gluten free, and raw food items as well breakfast anytime. Open 24 hours, this oasis in the city is surrounded by tropical birds and lush gardens cared for by R himself, and features a one of a kind covered patio dining area maintained year round for a truly unique dining experience.

Tomas Lee is a well-seasoned executive chef, having cooked for one of the top Atlanta area restaurant groups, Buckhead Life, from 1990 to 2002. From there, Tomas was the proprietor and head chef at his own spot in Norcross, GA, a close suburb of Atlanta, appropriately named “Tomas”. He provided locals with French-American cuisine inspired from his early work with top chefs in New York while going to school at The Culinary Institute of America.

Eager to incorporate his own Korean-American heritage, Tomas sought to bring the taco truck craze to the East Coast by opening Hankook Taqueria on Atlanta’s West side near the Georgia Tech campus. Combining traditional Korean meats and spices with the easy-to-eat style of Mexican tacos and burritos, visitors find the fusion unique and extremely tasty.

39. Gunshow

Chef Kevin Gillespie’s restaurant, Gunshow, offers a bold, new take on the traditional dining experience. Inspired by Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum, Gillespie combined the two for a decidedly fun and delicious result. Dishes are presented on rolling carts and trays to diners at their tables where they can then choose what to order. Pricing is a la carte.

Poor Calvin’s is a unique oasis in Downtown Atlanta that offers a rare cuisine of Thai fusion with Southern influences. Originally from Vietnam but raised and classically trained in Germany, owner and chef Calvin Phan has brought his perspective of international culinary fusion to the front line of Poor Calvin’s. This quaint restaurant, acknowledged as one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets, serves up an innovative blending of Eastern flavors and Western techniques and presentations, using only the freshest and most flavorful of ingredients. Chef Phan also presents an impressive dessert menu, all made in house, including one-of-a-kind delectables like the Suspension Cake and Fuji Apple.

Nuevo Laredo Cantina was opened in Summer of 1992 by owner Chance Evans. A lover of Mexico, its food and culture, he first brought authentic Mexican fare to Atlanta in the 1980s when he opened the U.S. Bar Y Grill. Evans opened Nuevo Laredo Cantina in its campy, off-the-beaten-path location with the sole intention of offering authentic, home-cooked Mexican food to the lunch patrons of the surrounding industries. But word quickly got around and before he knew it, the dinner crowd soon surpassed the already healthy lunch business. It only took a year before Nuevo Laredo Cantina won its first “Best of Atlanta” award by Atlanta Magazine. The restaurant has won this award (among others including the coveted “Zagat Award of Distinction”) every year to date since then.